TROUP, Texas — An East Texas ministry is in danger of shutting down because of a significant decline in funding.
New Creation Foundation in Troup serves men and women recovering from addiction and substance abuse. About 80 percent of their funds are generated through community members -- and over the past year, their funding is down more than $15,000 a month.
"By the age of 18, I dropped out of school. I was breaking into cars running from hotel to hotel in the streets, just really on the wrong path. I went to prison at 19 years old," New Creation Foundation Men's Residential Coordinator Austyn Drain said.
Drain has lived a challenging life, but he's grateful that he came to New Creation Foundation.
"While I was in there, I lost my grandmother to suicide, that really took a big toll on my family and myself. So, whenever I got out, I began to just spiral out of control, even more. Finally, on April 19, 2022, I decided to come to New Creation Foundation, and that was the best decision I ever made in my life," Drain said.
Drain is now a lawn care supervisor, one of their micro-businesses for residents. And looking back, he said ever since he walked into the doors of the New Creation Foundation, he's never looked back.
"I've been here a little over two years, and through working the academic portions of the program and work side of the program, I found hope in life and God has really just transformed my life and restored all the relationships with my family, like all the stuff I ever did to them never even happened," Drain said.
Founder Gregg Fleck said they’re facing a balloon note on the property, and the economy has caused a lot of people to not be able to donate.
"We are the last resource, usually for people that have been on this road or their families that have abandoned them, or they just abandoned society, their self, and they need that help to be set free from the chains of addiction," Fleck said.
When Fleck and his wife started the organization more than 14 years ago, they had one mission in mind: to get back into ministry and help others who are caught in the chains of addiction.
"There's a lot of men and women that have graduated this program, and they've been returned to the community with life sustaining resources, the ability to hold down a job, being delivered and set free from their drug addiction," Fleck said.
Those who would like to know more about the organization or would like to donate, click here.
"This is a place where you can find hope. This is a place where, whenever your family is done with you, they will welcome you with open arms," Drain said.